ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Ministry of Civil Aviation tableau named best ministry tableau for Republic Day 2022
Ministry of Civil Aviation  tableau is selected as the best central ministry tableau for Republic Day 2022. The tableau of Ministry of Civil Aviation showcased Regional Connectivity Scheme  - UDAN  and the rich dividends it has been yielding. Conceptualized by the Ministry and implemented by AAI, the scheme has the objective of enhancing regional connectivity in an economically sustainable and affordable manner.
Launched in 2016, UDAN scheme aims to fulfil the aspirations of the common man by following the vision of ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik’ with an enhanced aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in tier II and III cities. In a short span of 5 years, today 403 UDAN routes connect 65 underserved/unserved airports, including heliports and water aerodromes, and over 80 lakh people have benefited from it. UDAN scheme has immensely benefitted several sectors pan-India including Hilly States, North-Eastern region and Islands.
UDAN has a positive impact on the economy of the country and has witnessed an excellent response from industry stakeholders especially airlines operators and state government. More than 350 new city pairs are now scheduled to be connected under the scheme with 200 already connected and are widely spread geographical providing connectivity across the length and breath of the country as well as ensuring balanced regional growth resulting in economic growth and employment to local population.
The scheme also lead to development of new Green Field Airports such as Pakyong Airport near Gangtok in Sikkim, Tezu Airport in Arunachal Pradesh and Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh. The scheme also led to 5% incremental growth in domestic passenger share of non-metro airports.
In aircraft shaped tableau, the front part showcased women pilots depicting women power in India’s aviation, as India tops in women commercial pilots, globally. The rear portion of the tableau showed symbol of Buddhism and motto of UDAN- ‘Sab Uden, Sab Juden’. The middle portion showcased Buddhist circuit featuring Buddha Statue at Gaya where he attained enlightenment, Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath where he delivered his first sermon  and the Mahaparinirvana Stupa, Kushinagar where he attained Mahaparinirvana. Both sides of the middle portion of the tableau depicted heritage sites- Humayun tomb from North, Konark sun temple in East, Hampi temple chariot in South and Ajanta caves in West, connected with air services.
Special Service and Features
Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner Shri.V.Muthu Manickam retired
Sri.V.Muthu Manickam, Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner of Govt. of India had relinquished office on Friday 30th April 2021 on attaining superannuation. He was the Regional Head of the Labour Department for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
During his tenure for about 3 years he had several feathers to his cap. He had resolved several major labour unrest in the Central Sphere. Highest amount of short payment of wages to contract workers were detected and paid to the concerned workers.
He was adjudged as the Best officer at All India Level and was awarded for the remarkable relief provided during the Covid-19 crisis during 2020. He was honoured by Sri. Santosh Gangwar, Honourable Minister of Labour  during November 2020 for such exemplary services to the migrant workers.
He had worked tirelessly in sorting out and directly disbursed about Rs. 32 crores to about 6000 contract workers of BSNL Tamil Nadu Telecom Circle. Full dues of wages of a single worker was settled now up to a maximum of Rs. 2,80,000/-. This was appreciated by Justice Mr. R.Suresh Kumar of the Honourable High Court of Madras while delivering the judgement during the hearing on 28-04-2021. He had represented India in the Meeting of the International Labour Organisation at Geneva during September 2019.
He also had worked in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andaman and Lakshadweep earlier. Numerous Trade Union leaders and dignitaries of Employers have visited him and thanked him for such outstanding service, according to a press release issued by the office of Deputy Chief Labour Commissioner, Chennai.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU on Collaborative Research on Distributed Ledger and Block Chain Technology in the context of Development of digital economy by Exim Bank under BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding  on Collaborative Research on Distributed Ledger and Block chain Technology in the context of Development of digital economy by Export-Import Bank of India  with the participating member banks, under the BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism namely Banco Nacional de DesenvolvimentoEconomico e Social , China Development Bank , State Corporation Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs  and Development Bank of Southern Africa .
Major Impact
Distributed Ledger/Block chain technology holds potential for solutions to various challenges being faced in the financial sector space of the BRICS nations. The MoU intends to enhance understanding of Distributed Ledger/Block Chain technology, through the joint research efforts to identify areas within respective business operations where it may have the potential for applications aimed at enhancing the operational efficiencies.
Background:
The Xiamen Declaration signed in China on digital economy by the BRICS leaders had highlighted the importance of the digital economy and how the BRICS nations could leverage the thriving and dynamic digital economy that will foster global economic development and benefit everyone. Accordingly, a Memorandum of Understanding  on Collaborative Research on Distributed Ledger and Block chain Technology in the Context of the Development of the Digital Economy was suggested to be inked by all member banks.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves strengthening the mechanism for resolution of commercial disputes of Central Public Sector Enterprises
The Union Cabinet Chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has has approved the strengthening of the mechanism for resolution of commercial disputes of Central Public Sector Enterprises  inter se and also between CPSEs and other Government Departments/Organizations. The Cabinet decision is based on recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries . The decision will put in place an institutionalized mechanism within the Government for speedy resolution of commercial disputes of CPSEs without the matter being referred to the Courts of law.
Details:
- A new two-tier mechanism will be put in place of the existing Permanent Machinery of Arbitration  mechanism to resolve commercial disputes  between CPSEs inter se and CPSEs and Government Departments/Organizations, outside the Courts of law.
- At the First level , such commercial disputes will be referred to a Committee comprising of Secretaries of the administrative Ministries/Departments to which the disputing CPSEs/Parties belong and Secretary-Deptt. of Legal Affairs. The Financial Advisors  of the two concerned administrative Ministries/Departments will represent the issues related to the dispute in question before the above Committee. In case the two disputing parties belong to the same Ministry/Department, the Committee will comprise Secretary of the administrative Ministry/Department concerned, Secretary-D/o Legal Affairs and Secretary-Department of Public Enterprises. In such a case, the matter may be represented before the Committee by the FA and one Joint Secretary of that Ministry/Department.
Further, in case of a dispute between CPSE and State Government's Department/Organization, the Committee will be comprised the Secretary of the Ministry/Department of the Union to which the CPSE belongs and Secretary-D/o Legal Affairs and a senior officer nominated by the Chief Secretary of the State concerned. In such a case, the matter may be represented before the Committee by concerned Principal Secretary of the State Government's Department/ Organization.
- At the Second level , in case the dispute remains unresolved, even after consideration by the above Committee, the same will be referred to the Cabinet Secretary, whose decision will be final and binding on all concerned.
- For the prompt disposal of disputes, a time schedule of 3 months at the first level has been prescribed.
Department of Public Enterprises  will issue guidelines immediately to all CPSEs through their administrative Ministries/Departments and State Governments/UTs for compliance.
The new mechanism will promote equity through mutual/collective efforts to resolve commercial disputes thereby reducing the number of litigations regarding commercial disputes in Court of Law and also avoid wastage of public money.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Provision of Storage Facilities to Farmers
The Government is already supporting the creation of well equipped scientific storage facilities to the farmers in the country through the scheme of “Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure ”, which is a sub-scheme of Integrated Scheme for Agricultural Marketing . AMI scheme is a back ended capital subsidy scheme in which rate of subsidy is 25% and 33.33% based on the category of eligible beneficiary and is provided on capital cost of the project. Assistance under the AMI sub-scheme is available to individual farmers, groups of farmers/growers, registered Farmer Producer Organizations  etc.
AMI Scheme is a demand driven scheme. So far, a total of 38,964 storage infrastructure projects , with storage capacity of 655.48 Lakh MT have been sanctioned across the country under the scheme.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
On a steady march, India conducts record high of more than 9 lakh tests in a single day
Tests Per Million  continue to rise, stand at 23,668 today
On the path of a steady rise, India has scaled a new peak in daily testing.
For the first time, a record number of more than 9 lakh COVID tests have been conducted in a single day. With 9,18,470 COVID-19 tests done in the last 24 hours, India is poised to see an exponential increase towards its resolve of testing 10 lakh samples daily.
With this achievement, the cumulative tests are more than 3.25 crore .
Expanded diagnostic lab network across the country and effective measures to facilitate easy testing have given a substantial boost to the present numbers. As a result of these focussed actions, the Tests Per Million  have seen a sharp increase to 23668. The TPM continues to maintain the constant upward trend.
With constantly increasing testing numbers, there has been a commensurate fall in the positivity rate. Although higher number of tests will push the positivity rate initially, but as the experience from several States/UTs has amply depicted, it will eventually lower when combined with other measures such as prompt isolation, effective tracking and timely clinical management.
As the national average falls below 8%, there are 26 States/UTs that are reporting lower rates than the national average.
There has been a steady rise in the national network of diagnostic labs too. With 977 labs in the government sector and 517 private labs, the lab infrastructure has been enhanced to 1494 labs today. These include:
• Real-Time RT PCR based testing labs: 764 
• TrueNat based testing labs: 611 
• CBNAAT based testing labs: 119 
For all authentic & updated information on COVID-19 related technical issues, guidelines & advisories please regularly visit: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ and @MoHFW_INDIA.
Technical queries related to COVID-19 may be sent to technicalquery.covid19[at]gov[dot]in and other queries on ncov2019[at]gov[dot]in and @CovidIndiaSeva .
In case of any queries on COVID-19, please call at the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare helpline no.: +91-11-23978046 or 1075 . List of helpline numbers of States/UTs on COVID-19 is also available at https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/coronvavirushelplinenumber.pdf .
Ministry of Defence
OVERALL TREND IN DEFENCE SPENDING
Details of Defence Expenditure as a percentage of the Government Expenditure from Financial Year 2014-15 to 2022-23 are tabulated below:

|
|
Year
|
|
Defence Expenditure

|
|
Central Government Expenditure
|
|
Defence Expenditure as a percentage of Central Government Expenditure
|
|
2014-15 
|
|
3,17,207
|
|
16,63,673
|
|
19.07
|
|
2015-16 
|
|
3,27,096
|
|
17,90,783
|
|
18.27
|
|
2016-17 
|
|
3,89,614
|
|
19,75,194
|
|
19.73
|
|
2017-18 
|
|
4,17,242
|
|
21,41,973
|
|
19.48
|
|
2018-19 
|
|
4,42,683
|
|
23,15,113
|
|
19.12
|
|
2019-20 
|
|
4,88,795
|
|
26,86,330
|
|
18.20
|
|
2020-21 
|
|
5,23,330
|
|
35,09,836
|
|
14.91
|
|
2021-22 
|
|
5,35,508
|
|
37,70,000
|
|
14.20
|
|
2022-23 
|
|
5,55,484
|
|
39,44,909
|
|
14.08
It is seen from above data that Defence Expenditure as a percentage of Central Government Expenditure may appear to be decreasing due to increasing trend in the growth of Central Government Expenditure. However, Defence Expenditure is increasing in absolute terms, implying higher spending.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Shri Binoy Viswam in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Science & Technology
India Maps the 21st Century
Maps and accurate geospatial data are crucial for national infrastructure projects such as linkages of rivers, creation of industrial corridors and deploying smart power systems.Emerging vibrant technologies like Digital India, Smart Cities, eCommerce, autonomous drones, delivery, logistics and urban transport require a leap forward in mapping with greater depth, resolution and precision. In every economic endeavor, spanning agriculture, finance, construction, mining and local enterprise, India’s farmers, small businesses and corporations alike stand to gain tremendously from the application of innovative technologies based on modern geospatial data technologies and mapping services.
The Hon’ble Prime Minister observed however, that the existing regime imposed significant restrictions on the mapping industry - from creation to dissemination of maps, requiring Indian companies to seek licenses, follow a cumbersome system of pre-approvals and permissions. Compliance with these regulatory restrictions has subjected startups in India to unnecessary red tape, hindering Indian innovation in map technologies for decades.
To realise India's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the goal of a 5 trillion-dollar economy, the regulations that apply to geospatial data and maps henceforth stand radically liberalised. The Department of Science and Technology is announcing sweeping changes to India’s mapping policy, specifically for Indian companies. What is readily available globally does not need to be restricted in India and therefore geospatial data that used to be restricted will now be freely available in India. Furthermore,our corporations and innovators are no longer subject to restrictions nor do they require prior approvals before they collect, generate, prepare, disseminate, store, publish, update digital Geospatial Data and Maps within the territory of India.
Our startups and mapping innovators will be trusted to self-certify, apply good judgement and be reliedupon to demonstrate adherence to guidelines. In addition, measures to promote the development of Indian geospatial innovations that take advantage of the latest map-making technologies are proposed. With the next generation of mapping technology just about coming into its own around the world, this policy will enable Indian innovators to create substantial advances in mapping ultimately making our lives easier and empowering small businesses. We look forward to India emerging as a mapping power, creating next generation indigenous maps of India and taking these new technologies to the rest of the world.
Special Service and Features
14th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme 2022-23 kick starts in Kochi from today
Around 220 Youngsters from five states participating in the 7 day programme
Kochi: 23 January , 2023
14th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme  implemented by Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan  under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports with the support of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India kick started at Renewal Center, Kaloor, Ernakulam from today.
TYEP is one of the unique programmes of the Government of India. The basic objective of the programme is to provide an opportunity to the tribal youth residing in the remote corners of the country for an exposure to other parts of the nation and to understand the cultural ethos, language, life styles of the people, ongoing development process & unity in diversity aspect of our national life, said Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangthan State Director Shri K Kunjahammed.
While addressing the media in the Press Conference held at the Press Club, Ernakulam, he said that around 220 youngsters selected from different districts of Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh will be participating in the TYEP in Kochi.District Youth Officer Shri Ashwin Kumar was also present in the press conference
The inaugural ceremony of the Programme will be held at 09:30 am on 24th January 2023 at Municipal Town Hall, Ernakulam. Governor of Kerala Shri Arif Mohammed Khan will inaugurate the programme through virtual mode. On the occasion of the Republic Day on 26th January 2023, Shri P Rajeev, State Minister of Industries, Law and Coir along with Ernakulam District Collector Dr. Renu Raj will interact with the youths.
A variety of programmes including sessions on various topics, visits to major industries & development projects, interactive meeting with constitutional authorities, cultural exchange programme, discussion & debates, declamation contest on patriotism & nation building etc will be organized as part of the programmes.
During the current financial year, Tribal Youth Exchange Programmes are being organized at different venues of various state capitals. The concluding ceremony of the programme will be held on 29 January 2023.
(Visitor Counter : 11
Special Service and Features
601 Grams of Gold, 11000 Saudi Riyals and Electronic goods totally worth Rs. 65.13 lakhs seized by Chennai Air Customs. Three arrested.
Based on Specific intelligence, two male passengers, who arrived from Dubai by Indigo Airlines flight No. 6E-66 at 11:41 hrs on 03.12.2021 was intercepted at exit by the AIU officers. On examination of theirs checked-in baggage, 24 Glass Jars containing Sawdust form of gold concealed in Sambrani Granules totally weighing 601 grams of Gold valued at Rs. Rs.25,88,507/- and electronics good worth Rs. 17,90,907/- were recovered. The same was seized under Customs Act, 1962. One passenger was arrested.
In another case, based on specific information from DRI Bengaluru, 2 male passengers who were bound for Dubai by Fly Dubai flight FZ-476 on 04.12.2021 at 0500 Hrs was intercepted by the AIU officers. On examination of their Check-in luggage, 220 Saudi Riyals of 500 denomination were found in ingeniously concealed manner in the luggage of passenger. The foreign currency totally valued at ₹ 21.34 Lakhs were seized under Customs Act, 1962, read with FEMA Regulations, 2015. Both the passengers were arrested
Further investigation is under progress.
This is stated in a press release issued by Pr. Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
All India Weather Forecast
According to the National Weather Forecasting Centre of the India Meteorological Department:
- The Northern Limit of Monsoon  continues to pass through Lat.5°N/Long.85°E, Lat.8°N/Long.90°E, Car Nicobar, Lat.11°N/Long.95°E.
- Heat wave conditions over some parts with severe heat wave at isolated pockets very likely over Rajasthan and heat wave conditions in some parts very likely over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh & Delhi and Vidarbha during next 4-5 days.
Heat wave conditions in isolated pockets very likely over Madhya Pradesh and southern parts of Uttar Pradesh during next 4-5 days;
over Coastal Andhra Pradesh &Yanam and Telangana during next 3 days;
heat wave condition likely to develop over Marathwada and Rayalseema after 24 hours.
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls likely at isolated places over parts of northeastern states and Heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over adjoining parts of east India during 24th-27th.
Heavy rainfall at isolated places over parts south peninsular India during 26th-27th May, 2020.
The IMD has forecast Heat wave to severe heat wave conditions over Northwest, Central and adjoining Peninsular India during next 5 days b) Intense rainfall activity over Northeast India during 25th – 27th May, 2020.
Observed Weather:
- Yesterday, heat wave conditions in some parts had been observed over West Rajasthan andin isolated pockets over Haryana, Delhi, East Rajasthan and Vidarbha. The highest maximum temperature of 46.6°C was reported at Churu .
- Parts of Northeast India had been experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated extremely heavy falls since last 2 days. Rainfall  reported in Meghalaya: Sohra-33 &Sohra- 28.
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
|
COVID-19 Vaccination Update - Day 250
India’s cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 83 crore landmark milestone
More than 64 lakh Vaccine doses administered today till 7 pm
In a landmark achievement, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has crossed 83 Crore landmark milestone  today. More than 64 lakh  Vaccine Doses have been administered till 7 pm today. The daily vaccination tally is expected to increase with the compilation of the final reports for the day by late tonight.
The cumulative coverage of vaccine doses, segregated based on population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,03,70,167
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
87,83,665
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,83,47,221
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
1,46,66,596
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
33,74,76,070
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
6,67,81,067
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
15,36,39,648
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
7,14,56,603
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
9,82,67,915
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
5,35,57,724
|
|
Cumulative 1st dose administered
|
|
61,81,01,021
|
|
Cumulative 2nd dose administered
|
|
21,52,45,655
|
|
Total
|
|
83,33,46,676
Today’s achievement in the vaccination exercise, segregated by population priority groups, is as follows:
|
|
Date: 22ndSeptember, 2021 
|
|
HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
329
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
15,310
|
|
FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
518
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
46,969
|
|
Age Group 18-44 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
25,64,082
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
19,93,893
|
|
Age Group 45-59 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
6,21,778
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
6,42,742
|
|
Over 60 years
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
3,08,421
|
|
2nd Dose
|
|
3,04,232
|
|
1st Dose Administered in Total
|
|
34,95,128
|
|
2nd Dose Administered in Total
|
|
30,03,146
|
|
Total
|
|
64,98,274
The vaccination exercise as a tool to protect the most vulnerable population groups in the country from COVID-19 continues to be regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.